“We are at a time when we have managed to have a single-digit unemployment rate and at the same time many employers who are looking for, but cannot easily find, suitably qualified human resources. In addition, we have more European resources than ever to invest in the training of workers. That is why we must do everything in our power to immediately find ways to absorb them into the labor market,” he said. the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Domna Michailidou, in the presentation of the study of the Institute of Small Businesses (IME) of the General Confederation of Professional Craft Merchants of Greece (GSEVEE) on the subject: “Problematic aspects of continuing professional training in Greece. A new consideration of quality”.

As the Minister explained, the seasonal employment but the geographical mismatch intensify this asymmetry, which needs to be solved immediately through the right information and training. Domna Michailidou emphasized the need to strengthen quality controls in training and certification. In addition, he mentioned the need for changes in the way training programs are designed and implemented, so that they become more effective in enhancing the professional development of employees. In other words, the employees themselves have the possibility to adapt to the new demands of the labor market, to expand their knowledge and skills, and to ensure a healthy professional development.

According to the Minister, close cooperation between the State, training institutions and businesses is necessary, with the aim of a continuous exchange of practices, in order to achieve the desired improvement of the vocational training framework of our country. As argued by Domna Michaelidou, studies like the one carried out by the Small Business Institute of GSEVEE in collaboration with the Scientific Association of Adult Education, are very important as employers are the ones who know the needs of employees and businesses best.

The Minister of Labor and Social Security, Domna Michailidou, stated that: “We must, finally, harmonize the Greek system of continuous vocational training with the real needs of the labor market. Our aim is to abandon the short-term priorities related to the absorption of European funds and focus on the long-term needs for skills development and improving the quality of training. The purpose is the sustainability of the system which will contribute not only to the personal development of the trainees but also to the social and economic well-being of the country”.

The President of GSEVEE, Mr. George Kavvathas, stated that: “IME GSEVEE in collaboration with the Scientific Association of Adult Education proceeded to implement a study on the quality problems of adult education in Greece. We believe that the great needs of the labor market and the business community in human resources skills need to find a response in an upgraded and quality system of continuing professional training with direct and bold corrective interventions of the state in cooperation with the social partners.